Need to know
Rooms
10 villas.
Check–Out
1pm. Earliest check-in, 2pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.
More details
Rates include a breakfast of fresh fruits, bread made onsite with organic marmalades and jams, and eggs how you like ‘em, all served in the Glasshouse Lounge.
Also
Unfortunately the desert terrain isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
Hotel closed
The retreat opens annually from August to March.
At the hotel
Walking trails and free WiFi. In rooms: private courtyard, plug adapters, air-conditioning, tea- and coffee-making kit, free bottled water, and Ma Earth Botanicals toiletries. There are no TVs to foster a sense of serenity.
Our favourite rooms
All 10 villas have beautiful flowering courtyards, antique furnishings and natural finishes, but the turmeric-hued Hazara Villa is our pick. Here, dark-mahogany shutters open up to flood the spacious villa with natural light, and hand-carved pieces accentuates an otherwise minimalist space.
Poolside
There’s a spacious pool for a relaxing dip.
Packing tips
Pack light with flowy linens and comfy cottons, and be sure to leave enough space for any local handicrafts you fall in love with along the way.
Also
The hotel also runs camel safaris, and if you were wondering — yes, you can try camel cheese afterwards.
Children
Little Smiths are very welcome; there’s no kids’ club but camel rides, safaris and flower picking keep them entertained.
Sustainability efforts
The hotel is built in harmony with its surroundings, so sustainability is at the forefront of what they do: the clay for its redbrick exteriors was sourced from a local quarry, furniture is made from reclaimed wood, artwork and handicrafts are produced by local artisans, all rooms and common areas are entirely solar-powered, no single-use plastic is used, and at least 70 per cent of food served is provided by the regions farmers and suppliers. Plus, flowers are planted during the monsoon season to ensure water waste is as minimal as possible.